New Delhi: Buddh International Circuit, which played host to India's first Formula One Grand Prix on October 30, has been awarded the 'Motorsport Facility of the Year' award at the Professional Motorsport World Expo 2011, held in Cologne, Germany.

Boris Lazaric, COO Construction, Jaypee Sports International (JPSI) collected the award on behalf of JPSI on November 15.

The other contenders in the category were Baltimore Street Circuit, Mugello Circuit and Phoenix International Raceway, but BIC emerged as the unanimous winner.

Speaking on the occasion, Manoj Gaur, the Chairman of JPSI said, "This is a very proud moment for us and it feels great to be acknowledged for the hard work that made the inaugural Indian Grand Prix at BIC a resounding success.

"I would like to congratulate my team and dedicate this award to every member who worked tirelessly in making BIC a world class racing facility," he added.

Gary Anderson, a member of the PMW Expo Awards judging panel said, "Over the last 10 years we have seen many new F1 circuits created around the world, most of these to an excellent standard as far as the overall facility is concerned but lacking imagination when it comes to the actual circuit design.

"Buddh International Circuit has gone the other way and created an excellent circuit layout, which the drivers, engineers and spectators love. With adequate facilities to put on a great event, it will mature into one of the best."

Professional MotorSport World Expo is central Europe's leading trade-only motorsport exhibition.